Vision Disorders - Paralytic Strabismus

Paralytic strabismus is caused by some form of interference in the transmission of motor impulses from the brain to the eye muscles. This paralysis results in limited eye movement, particularly when the eyes turn in the direction of the paralyzed muscle. When it occurs a year or more after birth, it is usually the result of diseases such as meningitis, encephalitis, and multiple sclerosis and is termed acquired paralytic strabismus. Some congenital forms are evident at birth, perhaps caused by developmental abnormalities in the neural pathway or head injury during birth.